Would it really be so difficult?

Published October 12, 2012 at 2:45 pm

My, my, I feel so sorry you have so much trouble getting a photo ID. I think the biggest problem is that many people want it handed to them on a silver platter. They do not want to go out of their way one little bit to do something for their country. As John Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Every male has to register for the draft by his 18th birthday. Is that so difficult? When you were in the service of your country you had to wear that ID around your neck called dog tags. Is it that hard to have a photo ID on your person at all times?

I am a Korean veteran and I had dog tags on my neck for 12 straight months. I served in the cold for 27 straight days, some nights below zero degrees. I only had one change of clothes, no shower. Some days we’d melt the snow so we could wash our face and hands. You softies! You think you’ve got it tough to go get your photo ID.

You think I’m angry? You’re right, I’m angry! It’s time that those of you who complain about getting an ID go get one and register for the draft at the same time. Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

I’m sure many a draftee had it tougher than I did when I think about those poor boys in the jungles of Vietnam, when the temperatures were 100 or more degrees and had to fight the mosquitoes along with it all, and no place to lie down to get a few hours of sleep. No showers for days on end! Now, these are the men and boys you look up to. They had their IDs around their necks.

Today it’s asking too much of the spoiled brats in Minnesota to go get a photo ID. Ask any veteran what he thinks about voter ID. Many servicemen put their lives on the line. Now show them that you appreciate what they did for you! Get a photo ID and stop complaining. If that is too much, maybe it would be better if you didn’t vote.—William Petermeier, Elk River(Korean War veteran, dog tags US55143297)